If you’re considering your options and are weighing the pros and cons of building a metal pole barn vs. a wood pole barn, you’ve come to the right place. What you need is information. Each type of barn has advantages, but how do you decide? There are three reasons to choose a metal pole barn over a wood barn:
#1: Construction Materials
Both types of pole barns have similar design and construction; the primary difference is that a wood pole barn relies primarily on wood for the support structure. The poles (hence the name) are buried in the ground and then used to support the walls and roof. A metal barn uses steel columns to support the structure. The construction team anchors the columns to a concrete foundation and then creates the support structure for the rest of the building.
#2: The Pros and Cons
The most notable advantage of a wood barn is the cost and availability of materials. However, the real concern is the durability of those same materials. Because you bury wood poles in the ground, they are susceptible to rot and decay. They can shift and compromise the barn’s stability. Additionally, because wood is soft, it can warp, bend, and crack.
One of the biggest advantages of a metal pole barn is durability. Metal barns won’t bend, warp, crack, or rot because they are made from commercial-grade steel. And, steel buildings won’t shift or change position over time because the installers attach them to a concrete foundation. The steel is also resistant to mold, mildew, rot, decay, pests, and fire. Additionally, steel buildings are designed to withstand extreme weather, including high winds, heavy snow, ice storms, torrential rain, and temperature changes.
Reason #3: Cost, Now and Later
A wooden pole barn may be less expensive upfront than a steel barn, but other considerations exist. Something really important to consider is your short-term and long-term costs. A wood pole barn takes longer to construct and erect than a steel pole barn, which can result in more labor and time spent waiting for completion.
The cost of maintenance can be substantial as well. Where a wood pole barn would need upkeep of the wood and possible repair, a steel barn is virtually maintenance-free. And don’t forget about the possibility of expansion. It’s significantly more expensive to add on to or expand a wood pole barn than a steel barn, which can easily grow to fit your needs as your needs require more space.
The Choice is Clear: Metal Pole Barn
A metal pole barn is a great way to store equipment, house livestock, and use it as a warehouse or workshop. The question is, a wood pole or a metal pole? The advantages of the metal pole barn outweigh those of the wood barn by a mile. When it’s time to make a choice, which one will you choose?
Contact Peak Steel for more information or to request your free metal pole barn quote today.